Equinus deformity in cerebral palsy: recurrence after tendo Achillis lengthening

Twenty-seven patients with cerebral palsy (CP) were recalled and studied in detail 2 to 9 years post tendo Achillis lengthening (TAL). The recurrence rate of equinus deformity was 22.2%. Multiple clinical characteristics and follow-up examination findings were analyzed to determine their relation to recurrence. The recurrence group had a significantly (P<0.05) smaller preoperative popliteal angle, a greater popliteal angle at follow-up, and a greater change in popliteal angle from preoperative to follow-up than the non-recurrence group. This indicated that increasing hamstring contracture was the major factor influencing recurrence. Spasticity of tibialis posterior and leg-length discrepancy may be related factors as well.